Sponge filters

[TaratronVaeVictus]

Does anyone here use sponge filters as the main way of filtering their tank?

 

[repair]

I do on my baby tanks and if you don't over stock your big tanks they will work fine.

 

[shekes]

On a 40g with six 2' long eels in it. It can't do anything for the bio-load, but the eels don't mind.
The sponges just keep the big ugly chunks of poop out of my sight.

 

[cougar579]

Yes, sponge filters can be used on large set ups as well. I use to run 6 huge sponge filters with powerheads on my 200 gallon. If your on a budget and can keep a dedicated effort on water changes you will be fine.

 

[shekes]

If you are on a tigh budget you are better off with an UGF. That will actually take care of the bio-filtration and no frequent WCs are needed.

 

[Fried_fish]

sponge filter are good for multiple small tanks but on bigger tanks You're better off with a some HOB like ac500 if you can't afford a wet/dry or canister filter. Or make you own.

 

[vanimate]

It can't do anything for the bio-load, but the eels don't mind.
The sponges just keep the big ugly chunks of poop out of my sight.

Sponges are used mainly for bio-filtration. There is a much larger surface area in a large sponge than you can have in a HOB. The big ugly chunks should be being taken out by you mechanical filtrtation.

 

[finsandfangs]

i read sponges need to be about 5 to 10 percent of your tank so on big tanks it takes a big sponge to work. sponge filters can have more space for biological filteration then canisters

 

[vanimate]

If you are on a tigh budget you are better off with an UGF. That will actually take care of the bio-filtration and no frequent WCs are needed.

IMO the sponges are easier to clean than vacuum cleaning a UGF. Just squeeze it out with some tank water once a month. IMO UGF's require as much WC 's as a sponge filtered tank, especially as time goes on and the detritus collects in the UGF.